5 Questions Answered

Here are my answers to the 5 questions that I proposed in a previous article. As I said in the previous article, I do not believe that these are the only correct answers. They are definitely not complete answers. I hope they are answers to promote thought and possibly discussion.

1.  What is the Gospel in your own words?

a.             God created man in his own image and gave him a job. Be fruitful, multiply and have dominion by the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5 & 16:26) man decided he had a better idea with a little encouragement. This resulted in a great separation between man and God.

b.            Through many generations God prepared a people to produce the one who could bridge the gap and restore the relationship that God (our Father) has always desired.

·                     Into that people God sent his only unique son, to be born of a virgin

·                     Jesus was born and lived a life as a man in obedience to his true father (God) to be an example for us to follow (I Peter 2:21)

·                     He was executed unjustly yet within the plan of God. So that he might be the perfect sacrifice to make the way for everyone who turns to him to be reconciled to God.

c.             Having been reconciled to God, we each one receives a measure of His Spirit so that we may each learn to live in that communion with God our Father. That was always his intention.

God, in His immeasurable love, sent His only begotten Son in order to make a way of restoration for all of mankind so that each of us could live in relationship with Him forever. Amen.

2. What is your hope? And why? (I Peter 3:15)

Psalms 17:15:

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.

Romans 8:29

For whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (Jesus) in order that He (Jesus) might be the first born among many brethren.

With the assurance of these and many other scriptures testimonies and witnesses my hope is to be becoming more and more like Jesus until I reach that goal by the power of God working in me through His Holy Spirit.

And then to live with Him for ever and ever.

3.  What does discipleship mean to me?

a)    I believe discipleship to Jesus is the process of learning to live the same kind of life as Jesus

b)    This learning or discipling is best done in close community with others who have a similar desire. I believe this best involves careful consideration of the life and teachings of Jesus the Christ with the intention of being changed to be like Him.

Disciplines involved include

v  Study of the Bible especially the Gospels

v  Prayer

v  Memorization and Meditation

v  Accountability with other disciples

4.  What are 3 important functions of a pastor?

1.    I see a pastor as a disciple, among other disciples. The first responsibility is to be being discipled by God in the person of the Holy Spirit and in accountable relationship with other disciples to help them become disciples and disciple makers as well.

2.    A pastor is a shepherd under the direction of the Great Shepherd and in agreement with the other shepherds (elders). Prayer is an important function and duty of a pastor for direction for his own life and direction for the flock of God in his care.

3.    A pastor needs to be teaching, leading and guiding the flock in his care into all righteousness; Not necessarily by feeding the flock but by directing them to where the food is to be found and encouraging them to feed themselves.

Mostly a pastor/shepherd should be learning and living the life of the Shepherd in the 23^rd Psalm and the Good Shepherd in John 10.

5.  Please say something about Hebrews 10: 16-25.

:16-23  I believe that God our Heavenly Father is pleased to write His law on each heart that comes to him in open humility to learn and grow.

:24-25  I believe it is the responsibility of each of us as disciples to take every opportunity to find ways to encourage strengthen and build each other up in faithfulness and love, by getting together often in many ways for this purpose.

v   I do not believe this passage refers exclusively or even primarily to the general assembling on Sunday.

Next week or by the end of this week I hope to offer some thoughts on the gospel portion recommended for this week in the “Book of Common Prayer.” That portion is Mark 6:30-34 & 53-56.